Accounting Policies [Abstract] Description of Business Business Description and Basis of Presentation [Text Block] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk [Table] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Axis] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Concentration Risk Benchmark [Domain] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Workforce Subject to Collective Bargaining Arrangements [Member] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Axis] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Concentration Risk Type [Domain] Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] Labor Force Concentration Risk [Member] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Concentration Risk [Line Items] Percentage of workforce subject to collective bargaining agreements Concentration Risk, Percentage Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements [Abstract] Principles of Consolidation Organization, Consolidation and Presentation of Financial Statements Disclosure and Significant Accounting Policies [Text Block] Segment Reporting [Abstract] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table Text Block] Earnings Per Share [Abstract] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Schedule of Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Table] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities [Axis] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Antidilutive Securities, Name [Domain] Anti-dilutive options and shares [Member] Antidillutive options and shares [Member] Antidillutive options and shares [Member] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share [Line Items] Anti-dilutive securities excluded from computation of earnings per share Antidilutive Securities Excluded from Computation of Earnings Per Share, Amount Statement of Financial Position [Abstract] Assets Assets [Abstract] Cash and cash equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, at Carrying Value Restricted amounts held in escrow Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Current Accounts receivable, net Accounts Receivable, Net, Current Prepaid expenses and other Prepaid Expense and Other Assets, Current Total current assets Assets, Current Property and Equipment: Property, Plant and Equipment, Net [Abstract] Cost Property, Plant and Equipment, Gross Less – accumulated depreciation Accumulated Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization, Property, Plant, and Equipment Net property and equipment Property, Plant and Equipment, Net Intangibles, net Intangible Assets, Net (Excluding Goodwill) Restricted amounts held in escrow Restricted Cash and Cash Equivalents, Noncurrent Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Assets, Net of Valuation Allowance Other assets Other Assets, Noncurrent Total Assets Assets Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit Liabilities and Equity [Abstract] Accounts payable Accounts Payable, Current Wages, vacations and employee benefits Employee-related Liabilities, Current Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Current Other current and accrued liabilities Other Accrued Liabilities, Current Claims And Insurance Accruals Current Claims And Insurance Accruals Current Claims And Insurance Accruals Current Accrued Payroll Taxes, Current Accrued Payroll Taxes, Current Current maturities of long-term debt Long-term Debt, Current Maturities Total current liabilities Liabilities, Current Other Liabilities: Liabilities, Noncurrent [Abstract] Long-term debt, less current portion Long-term Debt, Excluding Current Maturities Deferred income taxes, net Deferred Tax Liabilities, Net, Noncurrent Pension and postretirement Pension and Other Postretirement Defined Benefit Plans, Liabilities, Noncurrent Claims and other liabilities Claims and Insurance Accruals Noncurrent Claims and insurance accruals noncurrent. Commitments and contingencies Commitments and Contingencies Shareholders’ Deficit: Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest [Abstract] Preferred stock, $1 par value per share Preferred Stock, Value, Issued Common stock, $0.01 par value per share Common Stock, Value, Issued Capital surplus Additional Paid in Capital Accumulated deficit Retained Earnings (Accumulated Deficit) Accumulated other comprehensive loss Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Treasury stock, at cost (410 shares) Treasury Stock, Value Total shareholders’ deficit Stockholders' Equity Attributable to Parent Total Liabilities and Shareholders’ Deficit Liabilities and Equity Debt Disclosure [Abstract] Debt and Financing Debt Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value Measurements, Recurring and Nonrecurring [Table] Fair Value, by Balance Sheet Grouping, Disclosure Item Amounts [Axis] Measurement Basis [Axis] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Fair Value Measurement [Domain] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Portion at Fair Value Measurement [Member] Carrying (Reported) Amount, Fair Value Disclosure [Member] Reported Value Measurement [Member] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Measurement Frequency [Axis] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurement Frequency [Domain] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Measurements, Recurring [Member] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Hierarchy [Axis] Fair Value, Measurements, Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Fair Value Hierarchy [Domain] Quoted prices in active market (Level 1) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 1 [Member] Significant other observable inputs (Level 2) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 2 [Member] Significant unobservable inputs (Level 3) Fair Value, Inputs, Level 3 [Member] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Fair Value, Assets and Liabilities Measured on Recurring and Nonrecurring Basis [Line Items] Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Equity Method Investment, Ownership Percentage Reclassification of Investment Reclassification of Investment Reclassification of Investment Restricted amounts held in escrow-current Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted amounts held in escrow-long term Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Non-current, Fair Value Disclosure Restricted Amounts Held In Escrow, Non-current, Fair Value Disclosure Total assets at fair value Assets, Fair Value Disclosure Compensation and Retirement Disclosure [Abstract] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Schedule of Defined Benefit Plans Disclosures [Table] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Axis] Defined Benefit Plans and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans [Domain] Defined Benefit Plan and Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Domain] Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, Defined Benefit [Member] Other Postretirement Benefit Plan [Member] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Defined Benefit Plan Disclosure [Line Items] Service cost Defined Benefit Plan, Service Cost Interest cost Defined Benefit Plan, Interest Cost Expected return on plan assets Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Return on Plan Assets Amortization of net pension loss Defined Benefit Plan, Future Amortization of Gain (Loss) Total periodic pension cost Defined Benefit Plan, Net Periodic Benefit Cost Expected future benefit payments, remainder of the year Defined Benefit Plan, Expected Future Benefit Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Contributions by employer Defined Benefit Plan, Contributions by Employer Business Segments Segment Reporting Disclosure [Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Fair Value, Assets Measured on Recurring Basis [Table Text Block] Loss Per Share Earnings Per Share [Text Block] Stockholders' Equity Note [Abstract] Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Schedule of Stockholders Equity [Table Text Block] Statement of Cash Flows [Abstract] Operating Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Net loss Net Income (Loss), Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Noncash items included in net loss: Adjustments, Noncash Items, to Reconcile Net Income (Loss) to Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities [Abstract] Depreciation and amortization Depreciation, Depletion and Amortization Noncash equity based compensation and employee benefits expense Share-based Compensation (Gains) losses on property disposals, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment, Excluding Oil and Gas Property and Timber Property Gain on disposal of equity method investment Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Stock in Subsidiary or Equity Method Investee Other noncash items, net Other Noncash Income (Expense) Changes in assets and liabilities, net: Increase (Decrease) in Operating Capital [Abstract] Accounts receivable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Receivable Accounts payable Increase (Decrease) in Accounts Payable, Trade Other operating assets Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Assets Other operating liabilities Increase (Decrease) in Other Operating Liabilities Net cash used in operating activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Operating Activities Investing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities [Abstract] Acquisition of property and equipment Payments to Acquire Property, Plant, and Equipment Proceeds from disposal of property and equipment Proceeds from Sale of Property, Plant, and Equipment Restricted escrow receipts Decrease in Restricted Cash Restricted escrow deposits Increase in Restricted Cash Proceeds from disposal of equity method investment, net Proceeds from Sale of Equity Method Investments Other, net Payments for (Proceeds from) Other Investing Activities Net cash provided by (used in) investing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Investing Activities Financing Activities: Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities [Abstract] Repayments of long-term debt Repayments of Long-term Debt Net cash used in financing activities Net Cash Provided by (Used in) Financing Activities Net Increase (Decrease) In Cash and Cash Equivalents Cash and Cash Equivalents, Period Increase (Decrease) Cash and Cash Equivalents, Beginning of Period Cash and Cash Equivalents, End of Period Supplemental Cash Flow Information: Supplemental Cash Flow Information [Abstract] Interest paid Interest Paid Income tax refund (payment), net Income Taxes Paid, Net Debt redeemed for equity consideration Debt Redeemed for Equity Consideration Debt redeemed for equity consideration. Preferred stock, par value Preferred Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Common stock, par value Common Stock, Par or Stated Value Per Share Treasury stock, shares Treasury Stock, Shares Shareholders' Deficit Stockholders' Equity Note Disclosure [Text Block] Employee Benefits Pension and Other Postretirement Benefits Disclosure [Text Block] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Type [Axis] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] Equity Interest Issued or Issuable, Type [Domain] JHJ International Transportation Co., Ltd. [Member] JHJ International Transportation Co., Ltd. [Member] JHJ International Transportation Co., Ltd. [Member] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Components [Axis] Equity Component [Domain] Equity Component [Domain] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Income (Loss) [Member] AOCI Attributable to Parent [Member] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Line Items] Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Line Items] [Line Items] for Reclassifications out of Accumulated Comprehensive loss [Table] Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Equity Method Investment, Net Sales Proceeds Transaction fees for JHJ disposal Transaction fees for JHJ disposal Transaction fees for JHJ disposal JHJ Carrying Amount - Equity Method Investment Equity Method Investment, Amount Sold Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Realized upon Sale or Liquidation, Net of Tax Foreign currency translation adjustments Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Foreign Currency Transaction and Translation Adjustment, Net of Tax Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Gain (Loss) on Sale of Equity Investments Reclassification of net pension actuarial losses to net income, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Reclassification Adjustment from AOCI, Pension and Other Postretirement Benefit Plans, for Net Gain (Loss), Net of Tax 2015 reclassified deferred debt costs 2015 reclassified deferred debt costs 2015 reclassified deferred debt costs Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Schedule of Costs of Retirement Plans [Table Text Block] Statement of Comprehensive Income [Abstract] Operating Revenue Sales Revenue, Services, Net Operating Expenses: Operating Expenses [Abstract] Salaries, wages and employee benefits Labor and Related Expense Operating expenses and supplies Cost of Services, Direct Materials Purchased transportation Purchased Transportation Costs incurred related to the purchase of services (road and rail) from third-party transportation providers and independent contractors in direct support of shipping and logistics services. Depreciation and amortization Cost of Services, Depreciation and Amortization Other operating expenses Other Cost and Expense, Operating (Gains) losses on property disposals, net Gain (Loss) on Disposition of Property Plant Equipment Total operating expenses Operating Expenses Operating Income Operating Income (Loss) Nonoperating Expenses: Nonoperating Income (Expense) [Abstract] Interest expense Interest Expense Other, net Other Nonoperating Income (Expense) Nonoperating expenses, net Nonoperating Income (Expense) Loss before income taxes Income (Loss) from Continuing Operations before Income Taxes, Extraordinary Items, Noncontrolling Interest Income tax (benefit) expense Income Tax Expense (Benefit) Net loss Other comprehensive loss, net of tax Other Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax Comprehensive Loss Attributable to YRC Worldwide Inc. Comprehensive Income (Loss), Net of Tax, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Average Common Shares Outstanding – Basic (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Basic Average Common Shares Outstanding – Diluted (in shares) Weighted Average Number of Shares Outstanding, Diluted Basic and Diluted Loss Per Share Earnings Per Share, Basic and Diluted [Abstract] Earnings (Loss) Per Share – Basic (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Basic Loss Per Share – Diluted (in dollars per share) Earnings Per Share, Diluted Income Tax Disclosure [Abstract] Effective Tax Rate Effective Income Tax Rate Reconciliation, Percent Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Schedule of Segment Reporting Information, by Segment [Table] Business Segments [Axis] Segments [Axis] Segment [Domain] Segments [Domain] YRC Freight YRC Freight [Member] YRC Freight [Member] Regional Transportation Regional Transportation [Member] Regional Transportation [Member] Corporate/ Eliminations Corporate / Eliminations [Member] Corporate / Eliminations [Member] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Segment Reporting Information [Line Items] Identifiable assets External revenue Operating income (loss) Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Increase (Decrease) in Stockholders' Equity [Roll Forward] Beginning balance Common Stock, Shares, Outstanding Issuance of equity awards Stock Issued During Period, Shares, Share-based Compensation, Net of Forfeitures Ending balance Statement of Stockholders' Equity [Abstract] Statement [Table] Statement [Table] Preferred Stock: Preferred Stock [Member] Common Stock: Common Stock [Member] Capital Surplus: Additional Paid-in Capital [Member] Accumulated Deficit: Retained Earnings [Member] Accumulated Other Comprehensive Loss: Treasury Stock, At Cost: Treasury Stock [Member] Statement [Line Items] Statement [Line Items] Beginning balance Stockholders' Equity, Including Portion Attributable to Noncontrolling Interest Equity-based compensation Net loss Net Income (Loss) Attributable to Parent Reclassification of foreign currency translation gains to net loss Ending balance Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Abstract] Commitments, Contingencies and Uncertainties Commitments and Contingencies Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Schedule of Long-term Debt Instruments [Table] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Axis] Variable Rate [Domain] Variable Rate [Domain] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] London Interbank Offered Rate (LIBOR) [Member] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Axis] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Property, Plant and Equipment, Type [Domain] Revenue Equipment [Member] Revenue Equipment [Member] Revenue Equipment Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Axis] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Facility [Domain] Credit Agreement Amendment, September 2014 [Member] Credit Agreement Amendment, September 2014 [Member] Credit Agreement Amendment, September 2014 [Member] 2014 ABL Facility Credit Agreement [Member] 2014 ABL Facility Credit Agreement [Member] 2014 ABL Facility Credit Agreement [Member] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Axis] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Long-term Debt, Type [Domain] Term Loan Term Loan [Member] Term Loan Line of Credit [Member] Line of Credit [Member] Secured Second A&R CDA [Member] Secured Second A&R CDA [Member] Secured Second A&R CDA [Member] Unsecured Second A&R CD [Member] Unsecured Second A&R CD [Member] Unsecured Second A&R CD [Member] Lease Financing Obligations [Member] Lease financing obligations [Member] Lease financing obligations [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Letter of Credit [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Other Debt Obligations [Member] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument [Axis] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Debt Instrument, Name [Domain] Carrying Amount [Member] Fair Value [Member] Estimate of Fair Value Measurement [Member] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Debt Instrument [Line Items] Long-term Debt, Gross Long-term Debt, Gross Premium/(Discount), Debt Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net Debt Issuance Cost Deferred Finance Costs, Noncurrent, Net Book Value Long-term Debt Debt Instrument, Gross, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Gross, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Gross, Current Maturities Premium/(Discount), Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Current Maturities Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net Deferred Finance Costs, Current, Net Book Value, Current Maturities Par Value, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Face Amount, Excluding Current Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Noncurrent Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Noncurrent Maturities Debt Instrument, Unamortized Discount (Premium), Net, Noncurrent Maturities Book Value, Excluding Current Maturities Stated Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Average Effective Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Effective Percentage Stated Interest Rate, Minimum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Minimum Stated Interest Rate, Maximum Debt Instrument, Interest Rate, Stated Percentage Rate Range, Maximum Floor interest rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Debt Instrument, Floor Interest Rate Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Total Leverage Ratio Less Than 3.25 Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Total Leverage Ratio Less Than 3.25 Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Total Leverage Ratio Less Than 3.25 Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Total Leverage Ratio Higher Than 3.25 Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Total Leverage Ratio Higher Than 3.25 Debt Instrument, Basis Spread On Variable Rate, Total Leverage Ratio Higher Than 3.25 Borrowing base Line of Credit Facility, Remaining Borrowing Capacity Line of credit facility, total cash and availability Line Of Credit Facility, Total Cash and Availability Line Of Credit Facility, Total Cash and Availability Letters of credit outstanding, amount Letters of Credit Outstanding, Amount 10 percent of Borrowing Base 10 percent of Borrowing Base 10 percent of Borrowing Base 10 percent of line cap 10 percent of line cap 10 percent of line cap Amount able to be drawn Amount Able to be Drawn Amount Able to be Drawn Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, March 31, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Current Quarter Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Current Quarter Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, June 30, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Two Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Two Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, September 30, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Three Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Three Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, December 31, 2016 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Four Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Four Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, March 31, 2017 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Five Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Five Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, June 30, 2017 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Six Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Six Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, September 30, 2017 Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Seven Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Seven Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, December 31, 2017 and thereafter Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Eight And Thereafter Debt Instrument, Covenant, Maximum Total Leverage Ratio, Quarter Eight And Thereafter Debt Instrument, Total Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Total Leverage Ratio Debt Instrument, Total Leverage Ratio Long-term Debt, Fair Value Long-term Debt, Fair Value Operating leases, future minimum payments, remainder of fiscal year Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments, Remainder of Fiscal Year Operating leases, future minimum payments due Operating Leases, Future Minimum Payments Due Operating lease commitment Operating Lease Commitment Operating Lease Commitment Operating lease term Operating Lease Term Operating Lease Term Income Taxes Income Tax Disclosure [Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Debt [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maximum Total Leverage Ratio for Remaining Test Periods [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maximum Total Leverage Ratio for Remaining Test Periods [Table Text Block] Schedule of Maximum Total Leverage Ratio for Remaining Test Periods [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Schedule of Carrying Values and Estimated Fair Values of Debt Instruments [Table Text Block] Document And Entity Information [Abstract] Document and Entity Information [Abstract] Document Type Document Type Amendment Flag Amendment Flag Document Period End Date Document Period End Date Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Year Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Document Fiscal Period Focus Entity Registrant Name Entity Registrant Name Entity Central Index Key Entity Central Index Key Current Fiscal Year End Date Current Fiscal Year End Date Entity Filer Category Entity Filer Category Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding Entity Common Stock, Shares Outstanding